A Sad and Beautiful World (2025) Movie Script
Come on, Marianne, we're almost there.
Push!
One last time. Push!
Nino!
At 5:05 PM,
little Nino Madi was born.
Nino!
Get away from the windows!
Get away!
Yasmina, my baby.
My sweetheart...
Omaya, breathe, darling.
Yasmina is here with us.
Yasmina!
You were born at 5:05 PM.
And I followed,
one minute later.
That day,
not very far from there,
a massacre took place.
At that very moment,
the last section of railway was destroyed.
And on that same day,
a rocket was launched into space.
Today, a great chapter is written
in the history of Lebanon.
May this day remain
as a beacon of hope
for our country.
May this small step for Lebanon,
which is a giant leap
for the Arab world,
mark the final breath
of this senseless war.
From Beirut to the stars!
But we missed the stars.
Nino, enjoy your meal!
Yasmina!
What are you saying, Yasmina?
Don't worry, Nino.
It's just celebratory gunfire.
- Nino, the big boss!
- Welcome, guys.
It's been a while!
Do you have a new spot?
Two 'kaftas', two fries,
and two cold beers!
Our star architect.
We're going with oak.
Breathtaking Italian marble.
And speakers that kick ass.
It's going to cost a fortune.
Divide his estimates by ten
and you have his budget.
Chafic is calling you in the kitchen.
... my famous chicken risotto.
But in truth,
Samira ruled supreme.
She had a gift
for that chicken risotto.
Incredible!
But she let me
take the credit.
And the kitchen, stainless steel.
All stainless steel!
Even the chef,
I want him in stainless steel.
Chafic, every ten minutes
you tell me five minutes!
When Zouheir gets back,
he's going to pay!
Tranquilo, amigo.
You're shaking the building!
Tranquilo, my ass!
I'm going to tear him apart.
It's a pipe,
not a heart transplant!
He's quick to collect his money!
- I have to go.
- Excuse me?
No way
you're leaving, man!
- You're my brother-in-arms.
- Your what?
The kitchen is Waterloo!
Leila is a bulldozer!
- You're going nowhere!
- I found 'The One'.
Yes, the rare gem.
We know that story!
Look, she replies to me instantly!
- She doesn't give a damn.
- Nino!
No need to knock
like crazy!
Where is my knife?
- Chafic, sort this out.
- Who?
It's about time!
Did you come on a donkey?
All of Beirut is gridlocked.
Some minister is heading somewhere.
To hell with you and the minister.
- Good produce?
- Great.
Didn't you have a hookup to manage?
Shut up, for once!
Your check, sir.
And stop smoking inside!
I'm coming, I'm parking.
Were they stars,
falling from the sky
With a peaceful glow
That ignite hearts
With their gentle warmth...
What now?
What muse inspired you
first thing this morning?
Two stars collide
today!
To hell with you
and your damn stars!
I'm sick of your stars.
What are you doing?
- And your rockets!
- Olga!
I'm fed up, Zacharie!
You idiot! Are you blind?
Where are you going?
Can we help you?
Hey! Asshole!
Which way are you going?
Were you looking for our offices?
Abdullah.
Of course this idiot
had to crash into us.
Where is your head?
Sorry.
I didn't mean to.
You knocked everyone out, asshole!
Take me to the hospital.
Are you listening, Abdullah?!
- Watch where you're going!
- What about you?
I'll call you back.
How are you?
Nothing serious, hopefully!
How do you feel?
- What time is your scan?
- I'm fine. We can go.
It's the wrecked office
that worries me!
It doesn't work like that, Mom.
What if you have internal bleeding?
What do you care?
Anyway, you're leaving me.
Abdullah...
Water, please.
- And she picks up. If it were your mother...
- I'm working, Mom.
I can prove it to you!
Could you confirm
the serious accident to my girlfriend?
She doesn't believe me!
Not my girlfriend yet,
but you're almost there!
Ma'am, these flowers are for you.
My deepest apologies
and get well wishes.
What recovery?
My head hurts,
maybe I have internal bleeding!
Does it really hurt?
I'm going to sue!
You look pretty fine to me.
I'm taking you to court.
You druggy, alcoholic!
Druggy?
I don't even know how to smoke!
I'm taking you to court.
All of you!
Over a Michelin-starred dinner
at 'Chez Nino'.
Fine cuisine, good wine...
We settle this amicably.
You don't know 'Chez Nino'?
Invite your lawyer
to 'Chez Guantanamo'.
She has a headache.
Look at our concept instead.
I'm fine, I tell you!
Everyone, you're all invited
to 'Chez Nino'. Make some noise!
Wait...
Have your insurance contact me.
We'll work it out.
- And the other form?
- Just a moment.
Exactly.
'Addressing corruption.'
Anything else?
I need a confirmation.
My restaurant is always packed.
- Just to plan ahead...
- We'll see tomorrow.
No, this is access to global markets.
Largely due non-compliance
with international law.
Chafic? You take 'compliance'
much too lightly.
I see loose potatoes.
Total chaos.
You see what I mean?
One moment, Issam.
Either that or by expaning
post-harvest infrastructure
and identifying
high-potential sub-sectors.
And all these
post-hub thingy structures...
We're not spending all night on this.
Not tonight, man.
One second, Issam.
Anything else?
- Is something wrong?
- Sorry, I had to take this call.
By the way, I'm still waiting
for an answer for tomorrow's booking.
One second, man.
Hello, Yasmina?
Yes, Issam.
OK, Chafic, great.
What is this
'Fontana di Hommos' supposed to be?
An Italian-style hummus.
It has a touch of madness,
it's a delight.
Hummus is hummus.
Why did you make it Italian?
We make magic.
Order with peace of mind.
I'm going for a...
Kafta alla... pol...
polpette or polpett?
'Kafta alla polpette',
a real explosion of flavor.
It's spicy, right?
- Far from it.
- Load up on spices.
- Load up on spices.
- You know what?
Bring us the full menu.
Ah, finally!
That's the spirit of the house!
And for the lady?
A salad, please.
What salad?
Whatever. A vegetarian one.
Our veggie dishes
are the stars tonight.
'Ravioli alla mante'.
Like ravioli, but Lebanese.
And a simple lettuce?
Forget it.
Here, it's 'mante' and 'polpette'.
So international!
- You will regret it bitterly.
- It'll be fine.
The inventory of property damage.
I thought we'd do it together.
It was simpler, more efficient.
Four pages, double-sided?
And why not a pedicure
while we're at it?
Nobody?
Why are you looking at him?
I'm not looking at him.
We were supposed to spend
the evening together.
I made the effort to be here.
Pop a pill, will you?
You're something else, man.
It was our day off.
I have to stuff myself
with the whole menu, shit.
- Who are these jokers?
- Would you prefer I go to jail?
Get this baby out of me.
Hang in there, honey, we're here.
'We'?
What are you doing, exactly?
I'm the one getting sliced open
while you stuff yourself with baklava.
Are you serving them a fine vintage?
Hide.
My wife is losing it.
What the hell are you doing?
- One of the guys wants it spicy.
- As for spices, we're good.
If you add more,
his palate will take a hit.
- Serve it as is.
- Please, man, not tonight.
I trashed their offices.
Who's the boss?
Let me work.
- If he wants shit, I'll serve it to him.
- Give him his dose of shit, then.
Put your culinary principles
on hold tonight.
Three drops!
- Let him come see me in the kitchen!
- He's the one eating, damn it!
Leila, it's ready!
I already have to put up with my wife
who doesn't even notice me anymore!
Serve it as is,
it's all I have left!
- Your knife is on the floor.
- Where?
I told you no, asshole!
It's not worth it, man!
It's either you or me in the kitchen!
It was just a drizzle.
I'm leaving, asshole!
Fuck you and your cheap restaurant!
And for the gentleman,
a 'kafta alla polpette'.
Extra spicy.
Grouper, beetroot puree
and 'sauce vierge'.
- 'Freekeh Labneh'.
- 'Ravioli alla Mante'.
Vegetarian.
Not for you.
For you, it will be lettuce.
Extra fresh.
"It was simpler, more efficient."
Serve fries for the whole table.
Sorry ma'am, there's already pasta.
Pasta and potatoes,
talk about a carb overload!
Chef's orders.
And what about the salt?
Never seen a restaurant
without salt or pepper.
I apologize to you again.
The chef carefully ensures
the balance of flavors.
I tasted it.
It's poorly seasoned.
You heard her. Go ahead.
Hey, chef! Mr. Piercing!
Hurry up, salt and pepper!
If you're looking for trouble,
I'm leaving right away.
Good evening everyone.
Is there a problem?
- Are you the chef?
- That's me.
Do I look like
a falafel eater to you?
We're out of salt and pepper.
Forget it.
The seasoning is perfect.
If you're not happy, you can leave.
Are you serious?
Bring the salt, damn it!
She tasted it.
It needs salt and pepper.
I can't help it
if her taste buds are on strike.
We are your guests. Bring the salt.
I'd rather die.
Excuse me.
Get in your kitchen and make it quick!
- Abdullah...
- Sorry, ma'am. He's crazy.
Salt, asshole?
At your service!
"... where we ate raw meat,
prepared with love by my mother.
A real feast!"
Nino and Tony,
I'm sending you out.
- But ma'am...
- Not a word, Tony.
And Fouad? Is this your writing
or your mom's?
Go back to your seat.
Yasmina, your turn!
Hurry up.
"I went with my father to the corniche.
We ate pistachio ice cream.
Hearing the bombs, I asked him:
"Why are there wars?"
He didn't know how to answer.
I asked:
"Where do we go after death?"
- To the Island.
- He didn't know how to answer.
I asked:
"How was I born?"
On the Island!
Nino, shut up!
He didn't know how to answer.
I read in a book
that the father sleeps on the mother
and moves all around..."
Yasmina?
Go to the corner!
- I'm still not finished.
- To the corner!
On the island!
Everything is on the island!
On the island! On the island!
To the corner, I said!
Come on, stand up.
You rude little boy!
Why do I even bother
with you?
To the corner!
You too, go on!
- What did I do?
- Join him in the corner.
Are you proud of yourselves?
We're doing a spelling test.
No!
Oh yes, we are!
- What are you doing here?
- In case you forgot it again.
Stop this nonsense, Bechara.
Don't be ridiculous!
... and never does his homework!
To top it off,
he plays the clown. There!
Nino!
- Yasmina?
- Yes?
What you said in class is wrong.
What did I say?
- That's not how babies are made.
- How then?
Dad told me:
mom drinks wine,
he gives her a good massage,
and there you go, that's how it is.
No way! The mother lies down,
the father gets on top.
They do that ten times...
And just like that, you get a baby.
I've already seen
mom and dad do that,
but they didn't have a baby.
- Did they do it ten times?
- Way more than that.
But you don't have a father or a mother.
Of course I do.
They are on the Island.
What island?
The Island, where there is...
Did you hurt yourself?
Just a scratch.
Does it hurt?
A little.
Is it better?
Yes, thank you.
Do you want some?
Thank you.
Here it is, the Island.
The sea...
They look happy together.
If you had to bring back
your father or your mother...
Who would you choose?
What would you do in my place?
- Both.
- Exactly.
I wanted to see
if you had something else in mind.
Close your eyes.
Hold on to me,
because the train is taking off.
Faster and faster.
The train left Beirut,
rose into the sky
and touched the stars.
Far, far away from Lebanon.
We have arrived on the Island.
What do you see, Nino?
Do you see your parents?
My parents are there too,
peacefully, under a tree.
Happy, for real.
Everything is so beautiful here.
Do you really think you
can slip away with her?
- Absolutely.
- Go ahead, try.
- This won't end well for you!
- Oh, you want to play that game?
Great!
You shouldn't be afraid to get dirty.
- Four eggs.
- No, we need five.
No, four.
- But dad puts five.
- Four.
We are in charge here!
Is it good?
Follow your instinct.
You'll see, your inner voice
is never wrong.
Stop. It's perfect.
Dad starts with milk,
then he adds the flour,
a ton!
Stop, stop, stop.
He puts way more.
Okay, sweetie.
Come on, let's turn it on.
Not you.
We are staying in the mountains
this weekend.
Auntie is up there,
with Ranim and Sula.
Grandma is there too.
There's the trampoline.
The big garden.
Rico, the dog.
I never promised you
the stars in the night...
Yasmina, come see!
Your favorite candidate
might win!
I never promised you
the stars in the night...
Sir! Madam!
You forgot this.
Thank you, buddy. Throw them away.
Don't listen to her!
It's for you.
Keep them safe.
That's enough!
And keep an eye on the stars.
Zacharie! You're exhausting.
One, two, three!
One more time!
So?
Did you choose your mother or your father?
I'm not going to choose.
I'd rather go to the Island.
Do you want to come?
I can't.
Why?
Grandpa told me:
'Only when your time comes.'
- When do you have to choose?
- This Friday.
I think I'll run away and not choose.
Do you want to come with me?
I can't.
So, I'm going alone?
Don't go, I love you!
What do you love?
My parents barely love me.
Your smile.
Your hair.
How you participate in class.
Everything.
My hair is nothing special.
That's not true.
It's all messy and long.
It looks like macaroni.
I love you, you know.
So... are you my boyfriend?
And are you my girlfriend?
- OK.
- OK.
Come on, let's leave together!
We can escape for good.
OK, I'm coming with you.
- Promise?
- Swear.
We meet at 11:00 PM.
- Okay. But where?
- Right here.
In the train.
Yasmina.
Come on, sweetie, we have to leave.
Yasmina, open up.
Yasmina,
why is the door locked?
Go! Leave her here.
Please, no war.
No war...
Yasmina!
Mom!
Yasmina, my baby,
is everything okay?
Just fireworks, sweetie.
Not war.
It's cold, sweetie.
Let's go inside.
- Mom.
- Let's go, Yasmina.
Thirteen plates.
Five chairs. Four tables.
I'll deduct it
from what I owe your mother.
Three tables.
Okay, three tables.
What are you doing tonight?
I'm going back to work.
Where did you disappear to?
Did you take the wrong train?
After my parents' divorce,
we moved.
I changed schools.
And tomorrow night?
I'm working too.
You work all day long?
What do you do?
Consulting. We're working on a project
for the government.
Lebanon 2025:
The Future of Lebanons Economy.
Can you say that again in slow motion?
I didn't understand a thing.
- That's crazy.
- Not at all.
Our report,
they'll pose with it for a photo,
then it will end up in a drawer.
You're just in time.
I'm looking for a consultant.
We have big projects.
'Chez Nino Sur Neige',
'Chez Nino Sur Mer'...
Are you aware
that the country is collapsing?
And that we're heading straight for a wall?
Where do you live?
I live with you here,
in the present moment.
Are you one of those
who spit on the country
and run away?
More like one of those
who never lie to themselves.
Yes, Issam, I'm coming.
We're hosting an engagement party tomorrow.
The bride-to-be is vegetarian.
You should come.
All-you-can-eat lettuce and tomatoes.
Don't waste your time.
I'm really busy.
Do you order at the office often?
I can deliver it myself.
Or do I have to
accidentally drop by your mom's again?
Goodbye, Nino.
progessive incentives that benefit
lower income groups
by taxing interest...
A clear veto
from the Minister of Finance.
They're leading us straight into a wall.
I know,
but it's better to take that out.
- Why always please them?
- It's our job, Yasmina.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
For auld lang syne
A round of applause for Yasmina!
She made her escape.
It's like a dream!
Don't you move from there!
'Alles Gute!'
All the best for the future.
Who's going to keep us up
until 2:00 AM now?
Shall we move on to the cake?
Don't push them too hard over there!
Hello?
Nino?
- Yasmina?
- Did you call me?
Sorry, I think my phone
is acting up.
- Oh, OK. Goodbye.
- Wait!
Tonight, you were set up at table 7.
- Nino...
- Tactical change, you're on table 8.
Chafic is giving me a hard time...
Nabil! You never stop talking.
It's crazy.
But everything is ready:
your table is overflowing with divine veggies...
The cash register, damn it!
To go where? We're stuck.
Who's the idiot double-parked?
Let's take a taxi.
Nino!
What's going on?
Get over here, guys!
Hurry up, come on!
Come on, let's move!
Give me some space, thanks.
Gently!
I said, gently!
Get in, Nino. Get in or get out of the way!
- Drive!
- Rush to the hospital!
- Which hospital?
- Where they deliver babies, think!
Go ahead.
Yasmina, the hospital is
at the end of the street.
- The window. Inhale, exhale.
- Stop messing with the buttons!
Chafic, you're blinding me, turn it off!
And calm down.
Get a grip.
Take a deep breath.
It's not going to be born in the car,
calm down.
- I'm exhausted.
- It's not our first time.
It smells like onions, please!
- Fuck, the onions! On the stove.
- Chafic, shut up!
Fine. Not a word. Not one.
Airplane mode.
If only you'd shut up
so she could drive.
What did you eat?
- Dude, you can't be serious!
- All we needed was the smell of puke.
I expected to be uncomfortable,
but not this much!
- What did you swallow?
- Mullet roe.
- But why?
- Special request from the bride and groom.
The worst idea...
Can you come tonight,
yes or no?
You should have said so from the start!
OK dude, it's fine.
Damn, I'm a disaster.
What do I do now?
Gilbert, dude, you're the only one
who can get me out of this.
At the restaurant...
There's a big engagement party.
It's the best word-of-mouth.
I have no one tonight.
Come help me, I'm begging you.
I'll pay you double!
Like a king.
Well, half of double.
Just help me, dude.
Please.
Didn't you think that a pregnant woman
eventually gives birth?
Was I supposed to guess
she'd give birth right then?
She shouldn't have been working at all!
Gilbert, I see you online.
Answer me.
Chafic will be away,
you have free rein with his knives.
Get over here.
What an idiot, Nino!
Event planning!
What could possibly go wrong?
You're intense, it makes me dizzy.
Is this all your life is?
Drive.
You can see I'm running late.
I can help you.
What?
Tie your hair back. My customers
don't want it in their plates.
Same goes for your rings.
Look.
Take some walnuts.
Crush them gently.
Don't you have anything nicer
for me to do?
Well, you wanted to help.
Right.
Mix them with the dried fruit.
Fucking asshole, Chafic...
Do you know I went back to the station
every day for a month?
Why did you choose your mother?
And what about your father in all this?
I didn't choose anyone.
I followed my mother.
My father left for Germany.
He started a new family.
Have you been in love...
after me?
What kind of question is that?
How many times?
You want to count?
Let's get moving here!
Listen to me carefully.
The chicken risotto,
is our signature dish,
we put our heart into it.
Caramelized onions.
Sprinkle them evenly over the chicken.
Then your mix comes into play.
- A pinch...
- Where?
Slowly but surely.
Just the right amount.
Idiot...
That should do it.
Come on, join the dance!
I hate weddings.
Not to rub it in,
but it's not even a wedding.
I hate engagements.
Tell me something you like
besides work.
Your little secret dream?
Running a guesthouse
in the mountains.
Living in nature,
exiled from the world.
Really?
You know you have to talk
to the guests, right?
You'll need a Nino by your side.
- No? You're an introvert, I can tell.
- You're drunk, Nino.
Your eyes...
... make me melt like an idiot.
Look at these idiots
parked on the sidewalk.
So we have the right
to climb on their hoods.
Climb up!
Get off the cars!
Sons of bitches!
Take that!
Hold on to me,
the train is taking off.
Destination: the Island.
The train has left Beirut.
Far, far away from Lebanon.
We have arrived on the Island.
So, when are we getting married?
Idiot.
I love it when you call me an idiot.
I'm leaving.
I'm leaving the country,
I'm going to Germany.
- Do you have insurance there?
- Yes, through the company.
- Don't forget your Xanax.
- No, I won't need it.
And your passport?
Don't you need that either?
- Did you take your...
- Mom.
I took everything, okay?
- Stop, please.
- Fine. I'll shut up.
What is he doing here?
Hello.
Are you here to tear down the building
this time?
- We agreed I'd drive you.
- I said 'maybe'.
Let's leave it at that. No hassle.
Without all the usual drama.
The plane won't wait!
OK.
Some music?
Are you leaving me
to go see your father?
Keep your eyes on the road, Abdullah.
He's so clingy!
Leave us alone!
I never promised you
the stars in the night...
Get lost, or I'll set Abdullah on you!
I'm ready, boss.
Speed up, Abdullah!
He's completely crazy!
My eyes were on the road, ma'am.
A quick glance in the mirror.
I saw the guy coming.
What's wrong with you?
You found each other once,
you'll find each other again!
Inshallah, Grandpa.
Maybe when I'm your age.
Snap out of it, Nino!
She's not the first
or the last to dump you!
Yasmina is different.
Yasmine, Jasmine...
Did you see your mother-in-law,
that pain in the ass?
Whoa... You get into that,
you never get out.
Nino.
Get up, we have work.
Chafic, table 12!
The lady is very upset.
- Hang on, it's coming!
- They're going to leave.
Chafic?
I'm going out to kill myself quickly, OK?
Works for me.
Slam the door on your way out!
I'm drying my mullet roe.
No, Grandpa,
I wasn't going to kill myself.
Curse the day
I saw you again, damn it...
Two years I've been begging
to be transferred to Germany.
Do you want me to take you back
to the airport?
You and your shitty jokes!
You're going to hear it!
Your shitty little face!
Your shitty expressions!
If you only knew how much I don't care...
Yasmina?
Don't worry.
I don't want you to die.
Say hello.
I don't want to lose you.
Not now, not ever again.
I already died, a long time ago.
Everything I live now
is just a bonus.
How was it?
Last night?
I still have goosebumps.
- You didn't love it?
- Idiot.
The accident.
What happened?
You don't have to go back there,
I understand.
I don't remember much.
Just gunshots, everywhere.
... celebrations
in the streets of Beirut.
They looked like shooting stars.
Khalil!
Like a pshhhhh.
That's about it.
Why do you only talk about death?
I love you.
Excuse me?
I love you too.
Are you looking for something?
Yes,
but I don't know what.
So, Yasmina? Love letters?
Put them down.
Put them down!
Stop your bullshit.
You would love it in prison.
What are you hiding?
I write letters
that I never send.
Happy?
That's a bit weird.
Why write them
if you're never going to send them?
There's always things to change.
I rewrite the letter
a hundred times.
Once it's finished,
I realize I've moved on.
Are you writing to your father?
Leave me alone.
Say hello to baby Rose!
It's baby Rose!
Hello, Yasmina!
Put your hand behind her head, darling.
Who made her cry?
It's me again, sorry.
Shall we roll a joint?
I haven't smoked one in 10 years.
Since my last pregnancy test.
Leila! Rose is crying.
Either she's hungry or it's gas,
it's one or the other.
Do you ever regret
having kids?
Did this afternoon make you want them?
Is that the dream? Chasing a kid
and eating cold food for life?
Kids are a real handful.
But to regret it? No.
My only regret
is having them so young.
The advice was always:
'Have them early,
you'll have your whole life ahead of you.'
But nobody tells you
it drains all your energy.
You're too exhausted
to do anything else after.
You raise kids
and everyone abandons you.
They say, 'We're here for you.'
But as soon as you look up,
there's no one left.
'It takes a village,' ...
where is the village?
I spend all my time online:
'Is it normal if my child is having
this or that?'
You have total strangers
coming to your rescue.
No idea if they actually know
or if they're just winging it.
And the 'life coach'
who got certified two hours ago,
tells you, 'You're doing very well!'
Leila! The baby is choking!
Please, come here!
I'm coming.
- Happy birthday, darling.
- Happy birthday, my love.
We said no presents!
This isn't just any gift.
Ever since we were seven
I've felt this love
and waited for this day
to stand before you
and ask you to marry me.
Okay, stand up.
Congratulations!
Cheers!
Another one bites the dust.
He's done for.
Cake!
What is your problem?
We've only been together
for six months.
What do you mean by that?
We've only been together
for six months.
My parents got married
after two months.
- I don't see the problem.
- Mine lasted 15 years.
They tore each other apart
and I caught all the fallout.
Yasmina, I love you.
I would never do that to you.
- You're worrying over nothing.
- How can you be so sure?
Yasmina,
what am I supposed to make of this?
Are you saying...
You don't see us together?
Is that what you got from this?
I don't get it, Yasmina.
I'm completely lost.
Why are you in such a hurry?
You always have one foot in
and one foot out.
Do you know what your real problem is?
I'm crazy about you.
But you?
You don't know
what it's like to be loved.
So what do we do now?
- You want to break up, is that it?
- I didn't say that...
Okay, then what are you saying?
Go ahead, explain it to me
like I'm a complete idiot.
Use simple words.
I don't want kids, Nino.
You can't really...
And my period is late.
That's normal, honey.
You're not a Swiss watch.
It's not the end of the world.
I took a test.
And? Boy or girl?
Can you stop joking around?
Okay. Go on...
I took three tests.
Yasmina, are you serious?
A baby?
Why didn't you tell me sooner?
It's fine.
Let's not fight about this.
Yasmina, I...
I want a future with you.
I dream of having
a family with you.
But I don't.
You've built up an image of me
that's far from reality.
If you dug a little deeper,
I'm not sure you'd even love me.
And I don't want
to bring a child into this world
just to mess up their life too.
It's up to you to decide, sweetie.
Your father and I
can't make this choice for you.
If I die,
will you stop fighting?
It's you I love.
I love your smile.
I love how unpredictable you are.
I love how stubborn you are,
your independence.
I love how you shut me up.
How you calm me down.
I'm not in love
with some image of you.
I love you for who you are.
With or without a child.
FOR NINO
MY ISLAND
This is the second time
I'm writing this letter.
What's the point of talking?
You wouldn't understand.
I'm not like you.
I don't think like you.
Yet,
I would have loved to be like you.
I can't stand this world
we live in anymore.
I can't stand this place
that destroyed my family.
Walking our streets, fearing
they'll blow up in my face.
I burn with rage seeing
our forests reduced to ashes.
Seeing the country on its knees
and our lives stolen by the banks.
I can't stand living
the same story as our parents.
Tell me. Is this the world
you want to bring a child into?
Good morning.
What did you dream about?
I dreamed I found an envelope.
I opened it.
- And guess what I found inside?
- What?
Another envelope.
- And what was inside?
- What?
- A smaller envelope.
- Oh, my God.
And so on.
And then you woke me up
before I could find the letter.
What day was it in your dream?
Thursday.
Are you sure?
- Positive.
- Thursday is the worst in dreams.
Why?
Just because. That's how it is.
- So, what are we doing?
- Staying in bed.
Amal, tell Mom!
Tell her Dad is right.
Are you two done?
I'm going to be late for school.
Finish brushing your teeth,
and Mom, get dressed!
What's wrong, Mom?
Nothing, sweetheart.
Unprecedented restrictions have been
imposed by Lebanese banks,
trapping depositors,
unable to withdraw their savings.
Zacharie, the professor!
Tell me about your latest invention.
First of all,
a kafta alla polpette.
No more polpette.
Meat is overpriced.
But I can offer you
our daily special.
Don't do his homework.
So?
Is it good news,
Vice-President Yasmina?
No.
They're closing the Beirut office.
- And you, are you okay?
- Not really.
I'm going to talk to Amer.
If I plead my case well,
they'll send me to Dubai.
- No way, honey.
- Three hours!
Three hours at the bank for this.
Barely enough for cereal!
I'm going home. I'll think about it.
And no burger for Amal.
It's true that the meat
is hanging everywhere at the restaurant.
What is this new shipment?
Even my chickens would say no.
I only take cash.
What cash?
The cash from my Swiss account?
- My bank refuses checks.
- Safe travels, God be with you.
Chafic?
I have an idea, man.
What if we went vegan?
We get rid of the meat.
It'll save money.
No more hassle of unstable prices.
What's your plan?
Zucchini is the new sujuk?
Get out of here.
Space explodes.
The sky shines.
Flames engulf
the entire Earth.
The two stars collided.
Our country rises from its ashes
and illuminates the whole world.
What's going on
with your hair?
Did you have a fight with your barber?
Honey?
Get ready for a crazy idea.
We need you
as a vegan consultant for Chez Nino.
- I'm not in the mood.
- Wait.
We're working
on the menu,
we need a real partner.
You know where that would be a hit?
In Dubai.
Can we see the stars in Dubai?
You can't see anything in Dubai.
The buildings are too high.
You can barely see the sky.
- I don't want to go there, then.
- Well, tell that to your mother.
You can see the stars
anywhere in the world.
Plus, they have electricity at night.
The smallest pebble in the world.
- But how am I going to throw it?
- I'm going to win.
Go ahead.
Look!
- You didn't throw it.
- It's over there!
In your hand!
You hid it.
Now, let's get down to business.
It didn't fly very far.
Still!
When I was your age
and the power went out,
I'd go out on the balcony and watch.
The ones with the lights on,
I knew they were stealing electricity!
Mom!
Don't worry, sweetheart.
It's just a sonic boom, honey,
not an Israeli bombardment.
Are you going to be okay?
It's okay, it's all clean.
What are you thinking about?
About Amal's 8 out of 20.
You know, I was a disaster at math.
And in English, in history and geography...
But not her.
Even in gym,
I got a 5 out of 20.
This place is becoming unlivable.
And it's getting worse every day.
At this rate,
you're going to lose the restaurant.
Don't worry.
We'll get through this.
Your way of thinking is a disease.
See a doctor
before my daughter catches it.
That's new: my daughter, your daughter.
She's our daughter, Yasmina.
OK.
Stay in your little Lalaland.
I'm going to apply for a transfer to Dubai.
Well, OK.
What do you mean, 'OK'?
It's OK.
Are you giving me the green light?
Don't tell me you were waiting
for my approval.
You'll do whatever you want anyway.
And your daughter's passport?
I'm taking care of it.
You're taking care of it...
That's a good one.
Endless lines,
and like magic, a passport!
Yes. I'll be there at 2:00 a.m.
like everyone else.
And what about my grandpa?
Your grandpa?
Start by actually going to see him.
No, honey.
You shouldn't smile.
They'll reject the photo.
If you smile,
they won't accept the photo.
Pretend to do math
with Grandma Omaya.
Come on, look at the camera.
Amal, come on!
Dad is making me laugh.
- Get out.
- Did you snitch on me?
Get out and stop messing around!
We have to be serious for Mom, Amal.
- Look at the camera, honey.
- Do it for Mom.
Do it for me, then.
Amal, that's enough!
We've been here for an hour!
No more passports today!
Come back tomorrow!
We've been here for three days!
I've been up since 1:00 a.m.!
Has he eaten?
Nothing at all?
Grandpa, it's Nino.
Khalil...
Do you want to play the piano?
Come on, get up.
Everyone is asking about you.
Stop acting.
Dad!
Your dad has been gone for a long time.
- Hi, Grandpa.
- Come in, don't be afraid.
Grandpa!
Grandpa, can you hear me?
No need to shout, honey.
Sit near him.
He doesn't even know we're here.
Yes he does.
He feels our presence.
He feels your presence.
Do you want to say something to him?
Do you want to kiss him on the cheek?
Why was he so yellow?
I thought he was going to throw up.
Of course not.
Yes.
How does he eat?
Who cooks for him?
The nurse you saw.
And what if he needs help
when she's in the bathroom?
What if he chokes?
I go there every day, honey.
You're the one who asked to see him.
To play with him.
Not to see him like...
- What do you want to do?
- Be alone.
Are you happy now?
She needs to see her grandfather.
I made some calls to
the Saudi office
Yasmina,
Your transfer has been approved
and ah, so you will be relocating
to the Dubai office
where you''ll be leading
the 'DU' account.
Let's see, Amal!
Will you open up for us?
- I don't have the key.
- I have it!
I knew you'd do that.
Come on.
Let's start here with the entrance hall.
Grandpa Antoine is set up there.
Here is the bathroom
for our distinguished guests.
If anyone needs to pee,
they run straight here!
- And there?
- That's Amal's room.
- And the one next door?
- Ours.
- My room is bigger!
- Next, the living room.
No! Who put the couch here?
We're moving it.
Help me out.
Boss, where does it go?
- Mom, it's really heavy!
- Over there.
Since you love fireplaces,
I built you one.
- It's nice, but there's no wood.
- Knock on wood, honey. It'll come.
The terrace!
There's pollution in the air,
I'll take care of it.
I'll go down and clear it out.
Problem solved.
See how beautiful it is?
We focus on tourism,
and the dollars will roll in.
A hashtag here,
a namaste there.
The Beirut hipsters
will flock here.
Look how green and beautiful it is!
Isn't it?
You know what?
See that garden over there?
The vegetable patch?
Start digging. Go on.
How do we buy the land?
The owner is willing to take 'Chez Nino'
in exchange for 'Chez Yasmina'.
We just pay the difference.
He'll take a check
for 30% of the value.
It's a godsend!
All our money is stuck in the bank.
Might as well use it!
Are you going to sell 'Chez Nino'?
You have to move on in life.
You're the one who taught me that!
I won't let you
sell your parents' restaurant.
I got the offer for Dubai.
- Honestly, did you like the house?
- Yes.
It's going to be nice.
It'll take time,
but we'll build it together.
It'll be our little surprise
for Mom.
Occupied.
It's been almost an hour.
Come on, get out.
Can we talk?
I don't want to force your hand.
I can leave, and you stay.
I'll send you fresh dollars.
And you can join me
whenever you're ready.
A lot of couples do that.
And what about Amal?
She's coming with me.
And to think I believed
nothing could ever separate us.
Why is it blocked?
- Dammit, someone is dying!
- The road is closed, sorry!
Put the fucking siren on!
It's already on full blast!
Fuck!
Do I really have to handle this?
Why are you blocking
this fucking road?
Get lost!
Which asshole are you taking orders from?
Someone is dying!
- It's His Excellency's motorcade.
- To hell with your fucking motorcade!
And your cheap clan leader!
Sons of traitors,
you bunch of thugs!
Grandpa?
Yes?
When are Mom and Dad
coming home from the hospital?
They aren't in the hospital anymore.
Where are they?
In a place.
The most beautiful place in the world.
On this island.
No gunshots.
No war.
No missiles.
And they have electricity all night long.
Take Amal.
Go to your mother's for a few days.
When did you buy
the plane tickets?
On the way to the funeral
or on the way back?
You son of a bitch, Nino.
Mom is dead too.
Come here, sweetheart.
You need to give Nino some time.
Like when you gave Dad some time?
If you're here to demonize me,
I'm not in the mood for this.
Here.
OK, the eggs.
Dad leaves them out on the table.
We're not at the restaurant.
Don't worry.
- Dad doesn't use brown sugar.
- Grandma doesn't have white sugar.
And brown sugar is healthier.
- Your cake is going to fail.
- No, it won't.
- You forgot the baking powder.
- There is none in the recipe!
- Dad always uses it!
- Do you want to make it instead?
When is Dad coming home?
Chafic, you need to talk to him.
So I'm the one stuck doing it again?
Nino, we're leaving.
We're still open.
We're moving to Saudi Arabia.
On a pilgrimage, I hope?
There's work over there.
What is he saying?
We found work over there.
I didn't know you were looking, Chafic.
I have three kids.
If that's not a good reason
to pop the champagne!
Our finest vintage,
no less!
Since you're leaving, pack your bags
and get out.
Chafic. Take your things
and get lost.
It's over.
- Dad!
- The pan, Nino.
How many times, son,
'not with your bare hands'?
Show me.
It's going to be okay.
Calm down.
Amal!
Amal...
How do we know
if Amal is still alive?
I lift her hand, then I let it go.
If it falls,
it means she is... alive.
If it stays in the air,
she is completely dead.
I don't want to leave either.
But I tell myself
it's a new adventure.
A house here,
a house there.
Friends here,
friends there.
A telescope here
and one there.
When things get better,
we'll go back to Beirut.
What do you think?
It's normal to be sad.
Do you know what I did
when I was sad?
Blink if you want to know.
I started writing letters.
To you.
To mom.
To my father.
Word after word,
the pain faded away.
There.
I never sent them.
Want to try?
Third attempt at writing this letter.
I'm terrified.
I never imagined us
with a child.
If you could dive into my childhood,
even for just one day,
you'd understand what I refuse
to carry into our future.
I feel a deep hatred
toward humans, their relationships,
and myself.
That was my only truth.
A world
with nothing beautiful left to offer.
Until I met you.
I was drowning in my anger.
You saw it and told me,
'I'm made for you.'
I felt something in my gut.
Everywhere I look,
I find that most people
spend their lives
with the wrong person.
Why would it be different for me?
You told me,
'Don't worry.'
Think about it for a second.
You were born at 5:06 PM.
And me, one minute earlier.
No matter how the world turns,
it will conspire for us to find each other.
Even if we were separated for 20 years.
Even if the entire universe
got between us.
You can always
take the first train
and join me on the Island.
Our Island.
What does the Island look like?
Yasmina...
Don't worry.
Hold on to me,
because the train is taking off.
Faster and faster.
We have arrived on the Island.
To Luca
Push!
One last time. Push!
Nino!
At 5:05 PM,
little Nino Madi was born.
Nino!
Get away from the windows!
Get away!
Yasmina, my baby.
My sweetheart...
Omaya, breathe, darling.
Yasmina is here with us.
Yasmina!
You were born at 5:05 PM.
And I followed,
one minute later.
That day,
not very far from there,
a massacre took place.
At that very moment,
the last section of railway was destroyed.
And on that same day,
a rocket was launched into space.
Today, a great chapter is written
in the history of Lebanon.
May this day remain
as a beacon of hope
for our country.
May this small step for Lebanon,
which is a giant leap
for the Arab world,
mark the final breath
of this senseless war.
From Beirut to the stars!
But we missed the stars.
Nino, enjoy your meal!
Yasmina!
What are you saying, Yasmina?
Don't worry, Nino.
It's just celebratory gunfire.
- Nino, the big boss!
- Welcome, guys.
It's been a while!
Do you have a new spot?
Two 'kaftas', two fries,
and two cold beers!
Our star architect.
We're going with oak.
Breathtaking Italian marble.
And speakers that kick ass.
It's going to cost a fortune.
Divide his estimates by ten
and you have his budget.
Chafic is calling you in the kitchen.
... my famous chicken risotto.
But in truth,
Samira ruled supreme.
She had a gift
for that chicken risotto.
Incredible!
But she let me
take the credit.
And the kitchen, stainless steel.
All stainless steel!
Even the chef,
I want him in stainless steel.
Chafic, every ten minutes
you tell me five minutes!
When Zouheir gets back,
he's going to pay!
Tranquilo, amigo.
You're shaking the building!
Tranquilo, my ass!
I'm going to tear him apart.
It's a pipe,
not a heart transplant!
He's quick to collect his money!
- I have to go.
- Excuse me?
No way
you're leaving, man!
- You're my brother-in-arms.
- Your what?
The kitchen is Waterloo!
Leila is a bulldozer!
- You're going nowhere!
- I found 'The One'.
Yes, the rare gem.
We know that story!
Look, she replies to me instantly!
- She doesn't give a damn.
- Nino!
No need to knock
like crazy!
Where is my knife?
- Chafic, sort this out.
- Who?
It's about time!
Did you come on a donkey?
All of Beirut is gridlocked.
Some minister is heading somewhere.
To hell with you and the minister.
- Good produce?
- Great.
Didn't you have a hookup to manage?
Shut up, for once!
Your check, sir.
And stop smoking inside!
I'm coming, I'm parking.
Were they stars,
falling from the sky
With a peaceful glow
That ignite hearts
With their gentle warmth...
What now?
What muse inspired you
first thing this morning?
Two stars collide
today!
To hell with you
and your damn stars!
I'm sick of your stars.
What are you doing?
- And your rockets!
- Olga!
I'm fed up, Zacharie!
You idiot! Are you blind?
Where are you going?
Can we help you?
Hey! Asshole!
Which way are you going?
Were you looking for our offices?
Abdullah.
Of course this idiot
had to crash into us.
Where is your head?
Sorry.
I didn't mean to.
You knocked everyone out, asshole!
Take me to the hospital.
Are you listening, Abdullah?!
- Watch where you're going!
- What about you?
I'll call you back.
How are you?
Nothing serious, hopefully!
How do you feel?
- What time is your scan?
- I'm fine. We can go.
It's the wrecked office
that worries me!
It doesn't work like that, Mom.
What if you have internal bleeding?
What do you care?
Anyway, you're leaving me.
Abdullah...
Water, please.
- And she picks up. If it were your mother...
- I'm working, Mom.
I can prove it to you!
Could you confirm
the serious accident to my girlfriend?
She doesn't believe me!
Not my girlfriend yet,
but you're almost there!
Ma'am, these flowers are for you.
My deepest apologies
and get well wishes.
What recovery?
My head hurts,
maybe I have internal bleeding!
Does it really hurt?
I'm going to sue!
You look pretty fine to me.
I'm taking you to court.
You druggy, alcoholic!
Druggy?
I don't even know how to smoke!
I'm taking you to court.
All of you!
Over a Michelin-starred dinner
at 'Chez Nino'.
Fine cuisine, good wine...
We settle this amicably.
You don't know 'Chez Nino'?
Invite your lawyer
to 'Chez Guantanamo'.
She has a headache.
Look at our concept instead.
I'm fine, I tell you!
Everyone, you're all invited
to 'Chez Nino'. Make some noise!
Wait...
Have your insurance contact me.
We'll work it out.
- And the other form?
- Just a moment.
Exactly.
'Addressing corruption.'
Anything else?
I need a confirmation.
My restaurant is always packed.
- Just to plan ahead...
- We'll see tomorrow.
No, this is access to global markets.
Largely due non-compliance
with international law.
Chafic? You take 'compliance'
much too lightly.
I see loose potatoes.
Total chaos.
You see what I mean?
One moment, Issam.
Either that or by expaning
post-harvest infrastructure
and identifying
high-potential sub-sectors.
And all these
post-hub thingy structures...
We're not spending all night on this.
Not tonight, man.
One second, Issam.
Anything else?
- Is something wrong?
- Sorry, I had to take this call.
By the way, I'm still waiting
for an answer for tomorrow's booking.
One second, man.
Hello, Yasmina?
Yes, Issam.
OK, Chafic, great.
What is this
'Fontana di Hommos' supposed to be?
An Italian-style hummus.
It has a touch of madness,
it's a delight.
Hummus is hummus.
Why did you make it Italian?
We make magic.
Order with peace of mind.
I'm going for a...
Kafta alla... pol...
polpette or polpett?
'Kafta alla polpette',
a real explosion of flavor.
It's spicy, right?
- Far from it.
- Load up on spices.
- Load up on spices.
- You know what?
Bring us the full menu.
Ah, finally!
That's the spirit of the house!
And for the lady?
A salad, please.
What salad?
Whatever. A vegetarian one.
Our veggie dishes
are the stars tonight.
'Ravioli alla mante'.
Like ravioli, but Lebanese.
And a simple lettuce?
Forget it.
Here, it's 'mante' and 'polpette'.
So international!
- You will regret it bitterly.
- It'll be fine.
The inventory of property damage.
I thought we'd do it together.
It was simpler, more efficient.
Four pages, double-sided?
And why not a pedicure
while we're at it?
Nobody?
Why are you looking at him?
I'm not looking at him.
We were supposed to spend
the evening together.
I made the effort to be here.
Pop a pill, will you?
You're something else, man.
It was our day off.
I have to stuff myself
with the whole menu, shit.
- Who are these jokers?
- Would you prefer I go to jail?
Get this baby out of me.
Hang in there, honey, we're here.
'We'?
What are you doing, exactly?
I'm the one getting sliced open
while you stuff yourself with baklava.
Are you serving them a fine vintage?
Hide.
My wife is losing it.
What the hell are you doing?
- One of the guys wants it spicy.
- As for spices, we're good.
If you add more,
his palate will take a hit.
- Serve it as is.
- Please, man, not tonight.
I trashed their offices.
Who's the boss?
Let me work.
- If he wants shit, I'll serve it to him.
- Give him his dose of shit, then.
Put your culinary principles
on hold tonight.
Three drops!
- Let him come see me in the kitchen!
- He's the one eating, damn it!
Leila, it's ready!
I already have to put up with my wife
who doesn't even notice me anymore!
Serve it as is,
it's all I have left!
- Your knife is on the floor.
- Where?
I told you no, asshole!
It's not worth it, man!
It's either you or me in the kitchen!
It was just a drizzle.
I'm leaving, asshole!
Fuck you and your cheap restaurant!
And for the gentleman,
a 'kafta alla polpette'.
Extra spicy.
Grouper, beetroot puree
and 'sauce vierge'.
- 'Freekeh Labneh'.
- 'Ravioli alla Mante'.
Vegetarian.
Not for you.
For you, it will be lettuce.
Extra fresh.
"It was simpler, more efficient."
Serve fries for the whole table.
Sorry ma'am, there's already pasta.
Pasta and potatoes,
talk about a carb overload!
Chef's orders.
And what about the salt?
Never seen a restaurant
without salt or pepper.
I apologize to you again.
The chef carefully ensures
the balance of flavors.
I tasted it.
It's poorly seasoned.
You heard her. Go ahead.
Hey, chef! Mr. Piercing!
Hurry up, salt and pepper!
If you're looking for trouble,
I'm leaving right away.
Good evening everyone.
Is there a problem?
- Are you the chef?
- That's me.
Do I look like
a falafel eater to you?
We're out of salt and pepper.
Forget it.
The seasoning is perfect.
If you're not happy, you can leave.
Are you serious?
Bring the salt, damn it!
She tasted it.
It needs salt and pepper.
I can't help it
if her taste buds are on strike.
We are your guests. Bring the salt.
I'd rather die.
Excuse me.
Get in your kitchen and make it quick!
- Abdullah...
- Sorry, ma'am. He's crazy.
Salt, asshole?
At your service!
"... where we ate raw meat,
prepared with love by my mother.
A real feast!"
Nino and Tony,
I'm sending you out.
- But ma'am...
- Not a word, Tony.
And Fouad? Is this your writing
or your mom's?
Go back to your seat.
Yasmina, your turn!
Hurry up.
"I went with my father to the corniche.
We ate pistachio ice cream.
Hearing the bombs, I asked him:
"Why are there wars?"
He didn't know how to answer.
I asked:
"Where do we go after death?"
- To the Island.
- He didn't know how to answer.
I asked:
"How was I born?"
On the Island!
Nino, shut up!
He didn't know how to answer.
I read in a book
that the father sleeps on the mother
and moves all around..."
Yasmina?
Go to the corner!
- I'm still not finished.
- To the corner!
On the island!
Everything is on the island!
On the island! On the island!
To the corner, I said!
Come on, stand up.
You rude little boy!
Why do I even bother
with you?
To the corner!
You too, go on!
- What did I do?
- Join him in the corner.
Are you proud of yourselves?
We're doing a spelling test.
No!
Oh yes, we are!
- What are you doing here?
- In case you forgot it again.
Stop this nonsense, Bechara.
Don't be ridiculous!
... and never does his homework!
To top it off,
he plays the clown. There!
Nino!
- Yasmina?
- Yes?
What you said in class is wrong.
What did I say?
- That's not how babies are made.
- How then?
Dad told me:
mom drinks wine,
he gives her a good massage,
and there you go, that's how it is.
No way! The mother lies down,
the father gets on top.
They do that ten times...
And just like that, you get a baby.
I've already seen
mom and dad do that,
but they didn't have a baby.
- Did they do it ten times?
- Way more than that.
But you don't have a father or a mother.
Of course I do.
They are on the Island.
What island?
The Island, where there is...
Did you hurt yourself?
Just a scratch.
Does it hurt?
A little.
Is it better?
Yes, thank you.
Do you want some?
Thank you.
Here it is, the Island.
The sea...
They look happy together.
If you had to bring back
your father or your mother...
Who would you choose?
What would you do in my place?
- Both.
- Exactly.
I wanted to see
if you had something else in mind.
Close your eyes.
Hold on to me,
because the train is taking off.
Faster and faster.
The train left Beirut,
rose into the sky
and touched the stars.
Far, far away from Lebanon.
We have arrived on the Island.
What do you see, Nino?
Do you see your parents?
My parents are there too,
peacefully, under a tree.
Happy, for real.
Everything is so beautiful here.
Do you really think you
can slip away with her?
- Absolutely.
- Go ahead, try.
- This won't end well for you!
- Oh, you want to play that game?
Great!
You shouldn't be afraid to get dirty.
- Four eggs.
- No, we need five.
No, four.
- But dad puts five.
- Four.
We are in charge here!
Is it good?
Follow your instinct.
You'll see, your inner voice
is never wrong.
Stop. It's perfect.
Dad starts with milk,
then he adds the flour,
a ton!
Stop, stop, stop.
He puts way more.
Okay, sweetie.
Come on, let's turn it on.
Not you.
We are staying in the mountains
this weekend.
Auntie is up there,
with Ranim and Sula.
Grandma is there too.
There's the trampoline.
The big garden.
Rico, the dog.
I never promised you
the stars in the night...
Yasmina, come see!
Your favorite candidate
might win!
I never promised you
the stars in the night...
Sir! Madam!
You forgot this.
Thank you, buddy. Throw them away.
Don't listen to her!
It's for you.
Keep them safe.
That's enough!
And keep an eye on the stars.
Zacharie! You're exhausting.
One, two, three!
One more time!
So?
Did you choose your mother or your father?
I'm not going to choose.
I'd rather go to the Island.
Do you want to come?
I can't.
Why?
Grandpa told me:
'Only when your time comes.'
- When do you have to choose?
- This Friday.
I think I'll run away and not choose.
Do you want to come with me?
I can't.
So, I'm going alone?
Don't go, I love you!
What do you love?
My parents barely love me.
Your smile.
Your hair.
How you participate in class.
Everything.
My hair is nothing special.
That's not true.
It's all messy and long.
It looks like macaroni.
I love you, you know.
So... are you my boyfriend?
And are you my girlfriend?
- OK.
- OK.
Come on, let's leave together!
We can escape for good.
OK, I'm coming with you.
- Promise?
- Swear.
We meet at 11:00 PM.
- Okay. But where?
- Right here.
In the train.
Yasmina.
Come on, sweetie, we have to leave.
Yasmina, open up.
Yasmina,
why is the door locked?
Go! Leave her here.
Please, no war.
No war...
Yasmina!
Mom!
Yasmina, my baby,
is everything okay?
Just fireworks, sweetie.
Not war.
It's cold, sweetie.
Let's go inside.
- Mom.
- Let's go, Yasmina.
Thirteen plates.
Five chairs. Four tables.
I'll deduct it
from what I owe your mother.
Three tables.
Okay, three tables.
What are you doing tonight?
I'm going back to work.
Where did you disappear to?
Did you take the wrong train?
After my parents' divorce,
we moved.
I changed schools.
And tomorrow night?
I'm working too.
You work all day long?
What do you do?
Consulting. We're working on a project
for the government.
Lebanon 2025:
The Future of Lebanons Economy.
Can you say that again in slow motion?
I didn't understand a thing.
- That's crazy.
- Not at all.
Our report,
they'll pose with it for a photo,
then it will end up in a drawer.
You're just in time.
I'm looking for a consultant.
We have big projects.
'Chez Nino Sur Neige',
'Chez Nino Sur Mer'...
Are you aware
that the country is collapsing?
And that we're heading straight for a wall?
Where do you live?
I live with you here,
in the present moment.
Are you one of those
who spit on the country
and run away?
More like one of those
who never lie to themselves.
Yes, Issam, I'm coming.
We're hosting an engagement party tomorrow.
The bride-to-be is vegetarian.
You should come.
All-you-can-eat lettuce and tomatoes.
Don't waste your time.
I'm really busy.
Do you order at the office often?
I can deliver it myself.
Or do I have to
accidentally drop by your mom's again?
Goodbye, Nino.
progessive incentives that benefit
lower income groups
by taxing interest...
A clear veto
from the Minister of Finance.
They're leading us straight into a wall.
I know,
but it's better to take that out.
- Why always please them?
- It's our job, Yasmina.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
For auld lang syne
A round of applause for Yasmina!
She made her escape.
It's like a dream!
Don't you move from there!
'Alles Gute!'
All the best for the future.
Who's going to keep us up
until 2:00 AM now?
Shall we move on to the cake?
Don't push them too hard over there!
Hello?
Nino?
- Yasmina?
- Did you call me?
Sorry, I think my phone
is acting up.
- Oh, OK. Goodbye.
- Wait!
Tonight, you were set up at table 7.
- Nino...
- Tactical change, you're on table 8.
Chafic is giving me a hard time...
Nabil! You never stop talking.
It's crazy.
But everything is ready:
your table is overflowing with divine veggies...
The cash register, damn it!
To go where? We're stuck.
Who's the idiot double-parked?
Let's take a taxi.
Nino!
What's going on?
Get over here, guys!
Hurry up, come on!
Come on, let's move!
Give me some space, thanks.
Gently!
I said, gently!
Get in, Nino. Get in or get out of the way!
- Drive!
- Rush to the hospital!
- Which hospital?
- Where they deliver babies, think!
Go ahead.
Yasmina, the hospital is
at the end of the street.
- The window. Inhale, exhale.
- Stop messing with the buttons!
Chafic, you're blinding me, turn it off!
And calm down.
Get a grip.
Take a deep breath.
It's not going to be born in the car,
calm down.
- I'm exhausted.
- It's not our first time.
It smells like onions, please!
- Fuck, the onions! On the stove.
- Chafic, shut up!
Fine. Not a word. Not one.
Airplane mode.
If only you'd shut up
so she could drive.
What did you eat?
- Dude, you can't be serious!
- All we needed was the smell of puke.
I expected to be uncomfortable,
but not this much!
- What did you swallow?
- Mullet roe.
- But why?
- Special request from the bride and groom.
The worst idea...
Can you come tonight,
yes or no?
You should have said so from the start!
OK dude, it's fine.
Damn, I'm a disaster.
What do I do now?
Gilbert, dude, you're the only one
who can get me out of this.
At the restaurant...
There's a big engagement party.
It's the best word-of-mouth.
I have no one tonight.
Come help me, I'm begging you.
I'll pay you double!
Like a king.
Well, half of double.
Just help me, dude.
Please.
Didn't you think that a pregnant woman
eventually gives birth?
Was I supposed to guess
she'd give birth right then?
She shouldn't have been working at all!
Gilbert, I see you online.
Answer me.
Chafic will be away,
you have free rein with his knives.
Get over here.
What an idiot, Nino!
Event planning!
What could possibly go wrong?
You're intense, it makes me dizzy.
Is this all your life is?
Drive.
You can see I'm running late.
I can help you.
What?
Tie your hair back. My customers
don't want it in their plates.
Same goes for your rings.
Look.
Take some walnuts.
Crush them gently.
Don't you have anything nicer
for me to do?
Well, you wanted to help.
Right.
Mix them with the dried fruit.
Fucking asshole, Chafic...
Do you know I went back to the station
every day for a month?
Why did you choose your mother?
And what about your father in all this?
I didn't choose anyone.
I followed my mother.
My father left for Germany.
He started a new family.
Have you been in love...
after me?
What kind of question is that?
How many times?
You want to count?
Let's get moving here!
Listen to me carefully.
The chicken risotto,
is our signature dish,
we put our heart into it.
Caramelized onions.
Sprinkle them evenly over the chicken.
Then your mix comes into play.
- A pinch...
- Where?
Slowly but surely.
Just the right amount.
Idiot...
That should do it.
Come on, join the dance!
I hate weddings.
Not to rub it in,
but it's not even a wedding.
I hate engagements.
Tell me something you like
besides work.
Your little secret dream?
Running a guesthouse
in the mountains.
Living in nature,
exiled from the world.
Really?
You know you have to talk
to the guests, right?
You'll need a Nino by your side.
- No? You're an introvert, I can tell.
- You're drunk, Nino.
Your eyes...
... make me melt like an idiot.
Look at these idiots
parked on the sidewalk.
So we have the right
to climb on their hoods.
Climb up!
Get off the cars!
Sons of bitches!
Take that!
Hold on to me,
the train is taking off.
Destination: the Island.
The train has left Beirut.
Far, far away from Lebanon.
We have arrived on the Island.
So, when are we getting married?
Idiot.
I love it when you call me an idiot.
I'm leaving.
I'm leaving the country,
I'm going to Germany.
- Do you have insurance there?
- Yes, through the company.
- Don't forget your Xanax.
- No, I won't need it.
And your passport?
Don't you need that either?
- Did you take your...
- Mom.
I took everything, okay?
- Stop, please.
- Fine. I'll shut up.
What is he doing here?
Hello.
Are you here to tear down the building
this time?
- We agreed I'd drive you.
- I said 'maybe'.
Let's leave it at that. No hassle.
Without all the usual drama.
The plane won't wait!
OK.
Some music?
Are you leaving me
to go see your father?
Keep your eyes on the road, Abdullah.
He's so clingy!
Leave us alone!
I never promised you
the stars in the night...
Get lost, or I'll set Abdullah on you!
I'm ready, boss.
Speed up, Abdullah!
He's completely crazy!
My eyes were on the road, ma'am.
A quick glance in the mirror.
I saw the guy coming.
What's wrong with you?
You found each other once,
you'll find each other again!
Inshallah, Grandpa.
Maybe when I'm your age.
Snap out of it, Nino!
She's not the first
or the last to dump you!
Yasmina is different.
Yasmine, Jasmine...
Did you see your mother-in-law,
that pain in the ass?
Whoa... You get into that,
you never get out.
Nino.
Get up, we have work.
Chafic, table 12!
The lady is very upset.
- Hang on, it's coming!
- They're going to leave.
Chafic?
I'm going out to kill myself quickly, OK?
Works for me.
Slam the door on your way out!
I'm drying my mullet roe.
No, Grandpa,
I wasn't going to kill myself.
Curse the day
I saw you again, damn it...
Two years I've been begging
to be transferred to Germany.
Do you want me to take you back
to the airport?
You and your shitty jokes!
You're going to hear it!
Your shitty little face!
Your shitty expressions!
If you only knew how much I don't care...
Yasmina?
Don't worry.
I don't want you to die.
Say hello.
I don't want to lose you.
Not now, not ever again.
I already died, a long time ago.
Everything I live now
is just a bonus.
How was it?
Last night?
I still have goosebumps.
- You didn't love it?
- Idiot.
The accident.
What happened?
You don't have to go back there,
I understand.
I don't remember much.
Just gunshots, everywhere.
... celebrations
in the streets of Beirut.
They looked like shooting stars.
Khalil!
Like a pshhhhh.
That's about it.
Why do you only talk about death?
I love you.
Excuse me?
I love you too.
Are you looking for something?
Yes,
but I don't know what.
So, Yasmina? Love letters?
Put them down.
Put them down!
Stop your bullshit.
You would love it in prison.
What are you hiding?
I write letters
that I never send.
Happy?
That's a bit weird.
Why write them
if you're never going to send them?
There's always things to change.
I rewrite the letter
a hundred times.
Once it's finished,
I realize I've moved on.
Are you writing to your father?
Leave me alone.
Say hello to baby Rose!
It's baby Rose!
Hello, Yasmina!
Put your hand behind her head, darling.
Who made her cry?
It's me again, sorry.
Shall we roll a joint?
I haven't smoked one in 10 years.
Since my last pregnancy test.
Leila! Rose is crying.
Either she's hungry or it's gas,
it's one or the other.
Do you ever regret
having kids?
Did this afternoon make you want them?
Is that the dream? Chasing a kid
and eating cold food for life?
Kids are a real handful.
But to regret it? No.
My only regret
is having them so young.
The advice was always:
'Have them early,
you'll have your whole life ahead of you.'
But nobody tells you
it drains all your energy.
You're too exhausted
to do anything else after.
You raise kids
and everyone abandons you.
They say, 'We're here for you.'
But as soon as you look up,
there's no one left.
'It takes a village,' ...
where is the village?
I spend all my time online:
'Is it normal if my child is having
this or that?'
You have total strangers
coming to your rescue.
No idea if they actually know
or if they're just winging it.
And the 'life coach'
who got certified two hours ago,
tells you, 'You're doing very well!'
Leila! The baby is choking!
Please, come here!
I'm coming.
- Happy birthday, darling.
- Happy birthday, my love.
We said no presents!
This isn't just any gift.
Ever since we were seven
I've felt this love
and waited for this day
to stand before you
and ask you to marry me.
Okay, stand up.
Congratulations!
Cheers!
Another one bites the dust.
He's done for.
Cake!
What is your problem?
We've only been together
for six months.
What do you mean by that?
We've only been together
for six months.
My parents got married
after two months.
- I don't see the problem.
- Mine lasted 15 years.
They tore each other apart
and I caught all the fallout.
Yasmina, I love you.
I would never do that to you.
- You're worrying over nothing.
- How can you be so sure?
Yasmina,
what am I supposed to make of this?
Are you saying...
You don't see us together?
Is that what you got from this?
I don't get it, Yasmina.
I'm completely lost.
Why are you in such a hurry?
You always have one foot in
and one foot out.
Do you know what your real problem is?
I'm crazy about you.
But you?
You don't know
what it's like to be loved.
So what do we do now?
- You want to break up, is that it?
- I didn't say that...
Okay, then what are you saying?
Go ahead, explain it to me
like I'm a complete idiot.
Use simple words.
I don't want kids, Nino.
You can't really...
And my period is late.
That's normal, honey.
You're not a Swiss watch.
It's not the end of the world.
I took a test.
And? Boy or girl?
Can you stop joking around?
Okay. Go on...
I took three tests.
Yasmina, are you serious?
A baby?
Why didn't you tell me sooner?
It's fine.
Let's not fight about this.
Yasmina, I...
I want a future with you.
I dream of having
a family with you.
But I don't.
You've built up an image of me
that's far from reality.
If you dug a little deeper,
I'm not sure you'd even love me.
And I don't want
to bring a child into this world
just to mess up their life too.
It's up to you to decide, sweetie.
Your father and I
can't make this choice for you.
If I die,
will you stop fighting?
It's you I love.
I love your smile.
I love how unpredictable you are.
I love how stubborn you are,
your independence.
I love how you shut me up.
How you calm me down.
I'm not in love
with some image of you.
I love you for who you are.
With or without a child.
FOR NINO
MY ISLAND
This is the second time
I'm writing this letter.
What's the point of talking?
You wouldn't understand.
I'm not like you.
I don't think like you.
Yet,
I would have loved to be like you.
I can't stand this world
we live in anymore.
I can't stand this place
that destroyed my family.
Walking our streets, fearing
they'll blow up in my face.
I burn with rage seeing
our forests reduced to ashes.
Seeing the country on its knees
and our lives stolen by the banks.
I can't stand living
the same story as our parents.
Tell me. Is this the world
you want to bring a child into?
Good morning.
What did you dream about?
I dreamed I found an envelope.
I opened it.
- And guess what I found inside?
- What?
Another envelope.
- And what was inside?
- What?
- A smaller envelope.
- Oh, my God.
And so on.
And then you woke me up
before I could find the letter.
What day was it in your dream?
Thursday.
Are you sure?
- Positive.
- Thursday is the worst in dreams.
Why?
Just because. That's how it is.
- So, what are we doing?
- Staying in bed.
Amal, tell Mom!
Tell her Dad is right.
Are you two done?
I'm going to be late for school.
Finish brushing your teeth,
and Mom, get dressed!
What's wrong, Mom?
Nothing, sweetheart.
Unprecedented restrictions have been
imposed by Lebanese banks,
trapping depositors,
unable to withdraw their savings.
Zacharie, the professor!
Tell me about your latest invention.
First of all,
a kafta alla polpette.
No more polpette.
Meat is overpriced.
But I can offer you
our daily special.
Don't do his homework.
So?
Is it good news,
Vice-President Yasmina?
No.
They're closing the Beirut office.
- And you, are you okay?
- Not really.
I'm going to talk to Amer.
If I plead my case well,
they'll send me to Dubai.
- No way, honey.
- Three hours!
Three hours at the bank for this.
Barely enough for cereal!
I'm going home. I'll think about it.
And no burger for Amal.
It's true that the meat
is hanging everywhere at the restaurant.
What is this new shipment?
Even my chickens would say no.
I only take cash.
What cash?
The cash from my Swiss account?
- My bank refuses checks.
- Safe travels, God be with you.
Chafic?
I have an idea, man.
What if we went vegan?
We get rid of the meat.
It'll save money.
No more hassle of unstable prices.
What's your plan?
Zucchini is the new sujuk?
Get out of here.
Space explodes.
The sky shines.
Flames engulf
the entire Earth.
The two stars collided.
Our country rises from its ashes
and illuminates the whole world.
What's going on
with your hair?
Did you have a fight with your barber?
Honey?
Get ready for a crazy idea.
We need you
as a vegan consultant for Chez Nino.
- I'm not in the mood.
- Wait.
We're working
on the menu,
we need a real partner.
You know where that would be a hit?
In Dubai.
Can we see the stars in Dubai?
You can't see anything in Dubai.
The buildings are too high.
You can barely see the sky.
- I don't want to go there, then.
- Well, tell that to your mother.
You can see the stars
anywhere in the world.
Plus, they have electricity at night.
The smallest pebble in the world.
- But how am I going to throw it?
- I'm going to win.
Go ahead.
Look!
- You didn't throw it.
- It's over there!
In your hand!
You hid it.
Now, let's get down to business.
It didn't fly very far.
Still!
When I was your age
and the power went out,
I'd go out on the balcony and watch.
The ones with the lights on,
I knew they were stealing electricity!
Mom!
Don't worry, sweetheart.
It's just a sonic boom, honey,
not an Israeli bombardment.
Are you going to be okay?
It's okay, it's all clean.
What are you thinking about?
About Amal's 8 out of 20.
You know, I was a disaster at math.
And in English, in history and geography...
But not her.
Even in gym,
I got a 5 out of 20.
This place is becoming unlivable.
And it's getting worse every day.
At this rate,
you're going to lose the restaurant.
Don't worry.
We'll get through this.
Your way of thinking is a disease.
See a doctor
before my daughter catches it.
That's new: my daughter, your daughter.
She's our daughter, Yasmina.
OK.
Stay in your little Lalaland.
I'm going to apply for a transfer to Dubai.
Well, OK.
What do you mean, 'OK'?
It's OK.
Are you giving me the green light?
Don't tell me you were waiting
for my approval.
You'll do whatever you want anyway.
And your daughter's passport?
I'm taking care of it.
You're taking care of it...
That's a good one.
Endless lines,
and like magic, a passport!
Yes. I'll be there at 2:00 a.m.
like everyone else.
And what about my grandpa?
Your grandpa?
Start by actually going to see him.
No, honey.
You shouldn't smile.
They'll reject the photo.
If you smile,
they won't accept the photo.
Pretend to do math
with Grandma Omaya.
Come on, look at the camera.
Amal, come on!
Dad is making me laugh.
- Get out.
- Did you snitch on me?
Get out and stop messing around!
We have to be serious for Mom, Amal.
- Look at the camera, honey.
- Do it for Mom.
Do it for me, then.
Amal, that's enough!
We've been here for an hour!
No more passports today!
Come back tomorrow!
We've been here for three days!
I've been up since 1:00 a.m.!
Has he eaten?
Nothing at all?
Grandpa, it's Nino.
Khalil...
Do you want to play the piano?
Come on, get up.
Everyone is asking about you.
Stop acting.
Dad!
Your dad has been gone for a long time.
- Hi, Grandpa.
- Come in, don't be afraid.
Grandpa!
Grandpa, can you hear me?
No need to shout, honey.
Sit near him.
He doesn't even know we're here.
Yes he does.
He feels our presence.
He feels your presence.
Do you want to say something to him?
Do you want to kiss him on the cheek?
Why was he so yellow?
I thought he was going to throw up.
Of course not.
Yes.
How does he eat?
Who cooks for him?
The nurse you saw.
And what if he needs help
when she's in the bathroom?
What if he chokes?
I go there every day, honey.
You're the one who asked to see him.
To play with him.
Not to see him like...
- What do you want to do?
- Be alone.
Are you happy now?
She needs to see her grandfather.
I made some calls to
the Saudi office
Yasmina,
Your transfer has been approved
and ah, so you will be relocating
to the Dubai office
where you''ll be leading
the 'DU' account.
Let's see, Amal!
Will you open up for us?
- I don't have the key.
- I have it!
I knew you'd do that.
Come on.
Let's start here with the entrance hall.
Grandpa Antoine is set up there.
Here is the bathroom
for our distinguished guests.
If anyone needs to pee,
they run straight here!
- And there?
- That's Amal's room.
- And the one next door?
- Ours.
- My room is bigger!
- Next, the living room.
No! Who put the couch here?
We're moving it.
Help me out.
Boss, where does it go?
- Mom, it's really heavy!
- Over there.
Since you love fireplaces,
I built you one.
- It's nice, but there's no wood.
- Knock on wood, honey. It'll come.
The terrace!
There's pollution in the air,
I'll take care of it.
I'll go down and clear it out.
Problem solved.
See how beautiful it is?
We focus on tourism,
and the dollars will roll in.
A hashtag here,
a namaste there.
The Beirut hipsters
will flock here.
Look how green and beautiful it is!
Isn't it?
You know what?
See that garden over there?
The vegetable patch?
Start digging. Go on.
How do we buy the land?
The owner is willing to take 'Chez Nino'
in exchange for 'Chez Yasmina'.
We just pay the difference.
He'll take a check
for 30% of the value.
It's a godsend!
All our money is stuck in the bank.
Might as well use it!
Are you going to sell 'Chez Nino'?
You have to move on in life.
You're the one who taught me that!
I won't let you
sell your parents' restaurant.
I got the offer for Dubai.
- Honestly, did you like the house?
- Yes.
It's going to be nice.
It'll take time,
but we'll build it together.
It'll be our little surprise
for Mom.
Occupied.
It's been almost an hour.
Come on, get out.
Can we talk?
I don't want to force your hand.
I can leave, and you stay.
I'll send you fresh dollars.
And you can join me
whenever you're ready.
A lot of couples do that.
And what about Amal?
She's coming with me.
And to think I believed
nothing could ever separate us.
Why is it blocked?
- Dammit, someone is dying!
- The road is closed, sorry!
Put the fucking siren on!
It's already on full blast!
Fuck!
Do I really have to handle this?
Why are you blocking
this fucking road?
Get lost!
Which asshole are you taking orders from?
Someone is dying!
- It's His Excellency's motorcade.
- To hell with your fucking motorcade!
And your cheap clan leader!
Sons of traitors,
you bunch of thugs!
Grandpa?
Yes?
When are Mom and Dad
coming home from the hospital?
They aren't in the hospital anymore.
Where are they?
In a place.
The most beautiful place in the world.
On this island.
No gunshots.
No war.
No missiles.
And they have electricity all night long.
Take Amal.
Go to your mother's for a few days.
When did you buy
the plane tickets?
On the way to the funeral
or on the way back?
You son of a bitch, Nino.
Mom is dead too.
Come here, sweetheart.
You need to give Nino some time.
Like when you gave Dad some time?
If you're here to demonize me,
I'm not in the mood for this.
Here.
OK, the eggs.
Dad leaves them out on the table.
We're not at the restaurant.
Don't worry.
- Dad doesn't use brown sugar.
- Grandma doesn't have white sugar.
And brown sugar is healthier.
- Your cake is going to fail.
- No, it won't.
- You forgot the baking powder.
- There is none in the recipe!
- Dad always uses it!
- Do you want to make it instead?
When is Dad coming home?
Chafic, you need to talk to him.
So I'm the one stuck doing it again?
Nino, we're leaving.
We're still open.
We're moving to Saudi Arabia.
On a pilgrimage, I hope?
There's work over there.
What is he saying?
We found work over there.
I didn't know you were looking, Chafic.
I have three kids.
If that's not a good reason
to pop the champagne!
Our finest vintage,
no less!
Since you're leaving, pack your bags
and get out.
Chafic. Take your things
and get lost.
It's over.
- Dad!
- The pan, Nino.
How many times, son,
'not with your bare hands'?
Show me.
It's going to be okay.
Calm down.
Amal!
Amal...
How do we know
if Amal is still alive?
I lift her hand, then I let it go.
If it falls,
it means she is... alive.
If it stays in the air,
she is completely dead.
I don't want to leave either.
But I tell myself
it's a new adventure.
A house here,
a house there.
Friends here,
friends there.
A telescope here
and one there.
When things get better,
we'll go back to Beirut.
What do you think?
It's normal to be sad.
Do you know what I did
when I was sad?
Blink if you want to know.
I started writing letters.
To you.
To mom.
To my father.
Word after word,
the pain faded away.
There.
I never sent them.
Want to try?
Third attempt at writing this letter.
I'm terrified.
I never imagined us
with a child.
If you could dive into my childhood,
even for just one day,
you'd understand what I refuse
to carry into our future.
I feel a deep hatred
toward humans, their relationships,
and myself.
That was my only truth.
A world
with nothing beautiful left to offer.
Until I met you.
I was drowning in my anger.
You saw it and told me,
'I'm made for you.'
I felt something in my gut.
Everywhere I look,
I find that most people
spend their lives
with the wrong person.
Why would it be different for me?
You told me,
'Don't worry.'
Think about it for a second.
You were born at 5:06 PM.
And me, one minute earlier.
No matter how the world turns,
it will conspire for us to find each other.
Even if we were separated for 20 years.
Even if the entire universe
got between us.
You can always
take the first train
and join me on the Island.
Our Island.
What does the Island look like?
Yasmina...
Don't worry.
Hold on to me,
because the train is taking off.
Faster and faster.
We have arrived on the Island.
To Luca